How To Finish A Quilt

By: Joanne Jones
Submitted: 2008-06-10 16:02:50
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Once you have completed the quilt top, you are ready to make it into a proper quilt by adding batting and a backing.  There are many different ways to do this, but I have selected one method that is very easy to follow.  Feel free to finish in your quilt in a different way if you prefer. 

For this final stage, you will need an area with a lot of room.  First, place a large piece of chip board (or a board of similar quality) over your kitchen table.  The board will protect your table from any scratches or nicks from needles and scissors.  Then place your backing on the board and straighten it out.  The backing will be a single piece of fabric that is the same size as the quilt top.  It can be any colour you desire – white is often used. 

Next, lay the batting over the backing and then place the quilt top over the batting, making sure that all three layers are centred on each other.  Place a safety pin in the centre of the quilt to hold all three layers together.  Working from the centre out, pin the layers together every six inches.  Keep the layers smooth so that the fabric will not gather. 

The next step is to tie the quilt together.  This will give you a series of knots that are evenly spaced out on the quilt and that look quite attractive.  When placing the knots on the quilt, make sure that they are fairly close to each other, with equal spaces between each one.  The knots can be placed on either side of the quilt and you can use colourful thread or wool to make the knot.  This method works especially well on thick quilts, but can be done on quilts of any thickness. 

Once the quilt has been tied together, you are ready to do some quilting.  At this point, you need to decide whether you want to hand or machine quilt, based on your personal preference and time constraints.  If you decide to hand quilt, you will need a needle, thread and most importantly, a quilting hoop or frame.  Once you have set the quilt up in the frame, you will then have to decide which sewing method to use – patchwork, cross hatch or stippling.  No matter which method you use, always start in the middle and use small stitches that are the same size.  Don't try to rush, as the stitches will look sloppy and untidy. 

If you decide to machine quilt, you will need a sewing machine.  The advantages of machine quilting are that it is faster than quilting by hand and all the stitches are the same size and evenly spaced out.  However, quilters often argue that the small inconsistencies in stitches from hand quilting is what makes the quilts charming and gives them their heirloom status.  Machine quilting works best for cross hatching, but even stippling can be done on a machine with enough practice. 

Here is a quick review of the different sewing methods you can use.  Patchwork is when you follow the lines on the quilt, especially if the quilt top is made with blocks of the same size.  Cross hatching is when you sew diagonal lines on the quilt, with half the lines running from top left to bottom right and the other half running from top right to bottom left.  Stippling creates an intricate pattern of smooth curves or swirling lines that never meet or cross over each other. 

You are now at the last step – binding.  Binding is when a strip of fabric is used to close up the edges of the quilt.  The colour of the fabric should complement the colours in the quilt and give it a framed look.  First, cut the fabric half an inch wider than needed.  Next, fold the fabric in half with the wrong sides facing each other and iron.  Fold the edges over and iron again.  Match up one edge of the fabric with the top edge of the quilt and sew them together.  Match the other edge of the fabric with the bottom edge of the quilt and sew them together.  You can give the corners of the quilt either a square edge or a smooth curve, depending on the style of the quilt and your preference.

You have now finished your quilt.  Take a step back, admire and show off all your hard work!

Please visit Beautiful Creations for more useful sewing tips and products. While you are there, check out our Project Ideas Page for free sewing projects, complete with full instructions.

Article source: Expert Articles

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